2024-07-17 05:42:02
The world’s first human trials of a drug that can regenerate teeth will begin in a few months, less than a year following news of the drug’s success in animals. This paves the way for the drug to become available as early as 2030.
The trial, which will take place at Kyoto University Hospital from September to August 2025, will treat 30 men aged 30 to 64 who are missing at least one molar. The efficacy of the intravenous treatment in the human dentition will be tested following it successfully produces new teeth in ferret and mouse models with no apparent side effects.
“We wanted to do something to help those who suffer from tooth loss or missing teeth,” said lead researcher Katsu Takahashi, director of dentistry and oral surgery at Kitano Hospital. “While there is no treatment that can permanently cure it so far, we Think people have high expectations for tooth growth.”
The 97th Academic Lecture on “The Development of “Dental Medicine” for Congenital Anotonia” ~ Kitano Hospital of the Institute of Medical Sciences (Kita-ku, Osaka City) ~
After an 11-month first phase, researchers will trial the drug in patients aged 2 to 7 years who are missing at least four teeth due to congenital tooth loss, which is estimated to affect 1% of the population. The team is recruit Phase IIa trials are now underway.
The researchers are subsequently considering expanding the trial to include patients with partially edentulous jaws, or those who are missing one to five permanent teeth due to environmental factors. The incidence of this condition varies by country, but it is estimated that regarding 5% of Americans have missing teeth, with the incidence higher among older adults.
The drug itself inactivates the uterine sensitization-associated gene 1 (USAG-1) protein, thereby inhibiting tooth growth. As we reported in 2023blocking the interaction of USAG-1 with other proteins promotes bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, thereby triggering new bone formation.
In ferret studies, the drug caused the growth of new teeth (fourth from left) and also strengthened the bones of existing teeth.
Kitano Hospital
It causes new teeth to grow in the mouths of mice and ferrets, species that share nearly the same USAG-1 properties as humans.
The researchers note: “The USAG-1 protein shares up to 97% amino acid homology across different animal species, including humans, mice, and beagles.” However, there is currently no news regarding the beagle trial…
Takahashi, a molecular biologist and dentist, has been working on tooth regeneration since 2005 and hopes the treatment will work not only for congenital dental diseases but also for people who have lost teeth at any age.
If successful, this treatment might be available to patients with permanent missing teeth within six years.
source: Kitano Hospital, daily
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